All Blog Posts (99)

Jennifer Weigand, A Team Southeastern Wisconsin member, was recently recognized for being nominated for SourceAmerica's Tom Miller Award. Below is an article that appeared in the Daily Jefferson County Union newspaper. Great job, Jennifer!

In a recent “The West Side” public radio broadcast to this part of the state (April 27, 2015), Senators Sheila Harsdorf (a member of Joint Finance) and Kathleen Vinehout were asked about long term care policy. Harsdorf said that the legislature needs to begin looking at the sustainability of expenditures for long term care, especially Medicaid, but also that there will be changes to the governor’s budget proposals in long term care. She did mention IRIS and the ADRC’s, but did not…

HARTSVILLE, Tenn. — Lynda Douglas thought she had a deal with Tennessee. She would adopt and love a tiny, unwanted, girl with profound disabilities named Charla. The private insurance companies that run Tennessee’s Medicaid program would cover Charla’s…

In response to Thomas Spellman's last post, I feel the best way to put this in simple words is using the word "Special". Our society is OK with "Special Education", "Special Olympics", but NOT "Special Employment". If the CMS is so hell bent on eliminating "Special Employment" what will stop them from eliminating Special Education and Special Olympics. When will it end. It would make sense. If individuals with "special" needs can not work in a special environment, why should…

5. Question: Do the regulations prohibit individuals from receiving pre-vocational services in a facility-based setting such as a sheltered workshop?

Answer: No. The federal regulations require that all HCB settings must support full access of individuals receiving Medicaid HCBS to the greater community, including facilitating opportunities to seek employment in competitive settings, engage in community life, control personal resources, and receive services in the community to the…

I have been told that Walker's Budget eliminates IRIS and Family Care and replaces then with a big Insurance Company to pay the bills What do other know about this??? Thanks Peace Tom Spellman 414 403 1341

Do not know when this was approved by the Disability Rights Wisconsin Board, but it surely was APPROVED!! Maybe this is why BPDD has been so mum. Some of them knew that this was in the making (writing). SO MANY ISSUES to say the least. This is obviously what they are going to be providing our legislators.

To close Central and Southern Centers????

Who are they?? If we DO NOT ACT who will be the last folks out the door to shut off the lights?? WE MUT PROTECT ALL OF OUR…

The MacIver Institute recently highlighted a federal rule change from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that could mean the end of work programs for people with disabilities all across Wisconsin. Folks from more than 50 organizations in the state could be negatively impacted by the new rule, and the MacIver Institute spoke with Kelly about how it would impact her family. Her sister, Wendy, is…

If the federal government gets its way, working folks with physical and developmental disabilities could lose gainful employment and be forced into nursing homes or stuck in their own homes with little more to do that watch TV. The MacIver Institute recently sat down will some individuals and their families who work at Opportunities, Inc. - an…

My brother benefits greatly from the services provided and it would be devastating to his physical and emotional well-being if his ability to work was taken away from him. While he would have the option of trying to obtain regular employment, he would not be able to maintain the standards a typical employer would expect. He currently has a great sense of accomplishment with his piece work and has a wonderful support system at his…